Introduction: DIY GoPro Backpack Mount W/GoPole Detachment

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After acquiring my first ever GoPro camera, I knew I wanted to get as many unique camera angles as I could shoot. This led me to experiment with a couple of lame prototype rigs that didn't pan out too well, and I had to re-think my strategy.
I eventually took my trusty camelbak, and combined it with an old tripod that I had stashed away forever.

In this instructable I will show you how I was able to make this rig using only simple tools and techniques.

EDIT: Thanks for all the interest in this mount!

I just remembered that you can remove the leg and have an extendable GoPole as well as a backpack mount.

Step 1: Getting Started

You will need a couple of things to make this rig work:

-A backpack with multiple straps on the back(I used my trusty Camelbak outlaw, quite possibly the best mulch-purpose sports bag I own)
-GoPro Camera
-GoPro's Handlebar mount
-Tripod(Slik AMT, this was a very good tripod to use as the legs have good range of motion and can be dismantled very easily)
-Spacer: Either a wood spacer, or a pool noodle works fine.
- 3/4" Gear clamp
-12" Bungee cord
-screwdriver with Hex bits.
-Roll of hockey tape
This is the equipment and parts I used for the rig, and I am unsure of what bags/tripods can be substituted for one another

Step 2: Step I: Dismantle the Tripod

We will start by removing the rotating camera head. This can be achieved by removing one screw below the camera head.

once the screw is out, remove the retainer plate and screw. you will notice a small plastic o-ring when you remove the plate; we need to hang onto this.

After the camera head is removed, you will see another o-ring to hang onto. Remove, and replace the retainer plate.

Step 3: Step II: Modifying the Tripod

Now that the camera head has been removed, we need to do a couple of modifications to the tripod before we can pair it with the bag.

First, take some hockey tape and wrap about 1/8" worth around one of the feet on the tripod; this gives the GoPro handlebar mount something to bite into.

Next, we will add a gear clamp to that same leg we taped. On the uppermost release clamp of the tripod leg, install the gear clamp about 2 1/2-3" up from the release clamp. This allows the bungie cord to keep the leg deployed when in use.

Step 4: Step III: Making the Spacer.

Adding a spacer between the legs of the tripod is crucial due to the strain the mount goes through while in use. If you dont have a spacer in there, the tripod flexes and moves around.

This step can be difficult for those without fabrication experience. I used a piece of 1/4" baltic birch plywood to make the spacer.

I then machined holed into the spacer to clasp the rails of the tripod legs.

If you are unable to make up a spacer with wood, I imagine a cut-up pool noodle would work as well.

With the spacer in place, the tripod is now ready to be paired with the backpack.

Step 5: Step IV: Pairing the Tripod and Backpack.

First thing to do is to open up the tripod's legs a bit in order to strap them down properly.

Next, flip the tripod upside-down, and place onto the backpack's outward side so that the top of the tripod is at the bottom of the bag.
(CAUTION: having the tripod upside-down leaves the top end of the tripod exposed. BE CAREFUL when laying down the backpack after the tripod is installed.)

Start loosening off the straps on the backpack, and wrap the bottom strap around the bottom of the tripod.

Once both bottoms are in, move to the mids and do them up as well.

After the mids are in, you must install the spacer.

After installing the spacer, expand the other 2 legs of the tripod up enough so the upper straps are able to lock the top of the legs up.

Once all the straps are clipped and tightened, you can move on to the last step.

Step 6: Step V: Bungee Instalation

The last step is to attach the gopro to the taped bottom foot of the tripod and to add the bungee cord.

Attach one end of the bungee cord to the bottom of the tripod where the camera head was.

From there, attach the bungee cord to the tripod leg where the gear clamp sits.
(CAUTION: Don't leave the bungee cord attached to the gear clamp when not in use as this wears out the elasticity of the bungee cord. Instead, simply hook the bungee below the clamp.)

Once on top of the gear clamp, unlock the leg clamp, and stretch the bungee cord as much as you can to add tension to the leg.

From there, you can unlock a clip at the bottom of the leg to change the leg's viewing angle.

Step 7: Conclusion

There you have it: My DIY GoPro backpack rig.

Hopefully this instructable will help you to create your own rig!

Please let me know if I have missed anything, or if you have any questions regarding this guide.

Thanks for reading, and happy shooting!!

For those curious, footage from this rig can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmsiMDuoIqQ&feature=share&list=UUQ3ouckz5uxLPvqSG1c5heg